The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a crucial core committee meeting to deliberate on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Party leaders have initiated preparations, focusing on potential candidates and overall strategy.
The meeting took place on Sunday at the state party office, attended by top leaders. Discussions centred on the party’s approach and a probable list of nominees, according to party sources.
Chaired by BJP state president Manmohan Samal, the session included Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, state in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, co-in-charge Lata Usendi, Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, former state president and minister Suresh Pujari, former state presidents Sameer Mohanty and Basant Panda, former Union Minister and MP Pratap Sarangi, national spokesperson and MP Dr. Sambit Patra, and state general secretary Manas Kumar Mohanty.
Extensive talks were held on strengthening the party’s organisation in Odisha and selecting candidates from among the internal aspirants for the Rajya Sabha seats. With four seats up for grabs in the state, the BJP is poised to secure two easily based on numerical strength, while possibilities for an additional seat were also explored.
Reliable sources indicate that a final strategy for the election has been prepared. Prior to the meeting, state president Samal informed the media that the core committee would likely finalise the Rajya Sabha nominations. The proposed names will then be sent to the parliamentary board. All members will suggest candidates, and the compiled list will be forwarded to the board. He also hinted that discussions on board decisions could occur in the core committee.
Notably, nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections begin on February 26. Numerically, BJP is assured of two out of four seats, with one going to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). However, speculation is rife about whether the fourth candidate will emerge from the opposition or the ruling camp.
